Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush with uniform diameter bristles containing a polishing agent with a particle size of from about 0.01 &mgr;m to about 100 &mgr;m, wherein cleaning of the teeth is improved without any of the adverse side effects associated with over aggressive abrasion. An embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one tuft securely affixed in or attached to the head, said tuft including a plurality of filaments comprised of (a) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of from about 0.1 &mgr;m to about 10 &mgr;m. Particles less than 0.1 &mgr;m can be used if aggregation occurs such that the aggregate size on bristle is described.

Abstract: Elastomeric polymeric flosses comprising particulate modification agents stably associated with the surface thereof, as well as methods for their fabrication, are provided. In the subject flosses, particulate modification agents are either adsorbed to the surface of the floss or embedded in the surface of the floss. To fabricate the subject flosses, unmodified elastomeric flosses are contacted with particulate modification agents under conditions which provide for the stable association of the particles with the floss surface, where the floss surface may be softened to promote embedding of the particulate modification agents in the surface of the floss.

Abstract: A merchandise display system includes a support from which merchandise can be suspended. The support includes a rod with a hook at its free end. The rod is angled down towards its free end. A member on one side of the merchandise restricts movement of the merchandise about a first axis of the support. An additional member on another side of the merchandise restricts movement of the merchandise about the first axis of the support. The system further includes a pair of stoppers, one stopper being attached to the member near a free end of the member and the other stopper being attached to the additional member near a free end of the additional member. The stoppers restrict movement of the merchandise about a second axis of the support. The stoppers each include a pair of flexible flaps which enable merchandise to be inserted onto a support and removed from a support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fiber used in oral hygiene. The method comprises aerosolizing a coating and projecting the aerosolized coating particles onto a target area of the fiber. The method also comprises recycling recaptured coating particles for reuse in fiber coating. An apparatus for coating oral hygiene fibers is also described.

Abstract: A magnetically biased electromagnetic shuttering device for controlling the shutter blades of a camera. The device includes a yoke having a core and a coil, the coil being capable of receiving current which produces a first magnetic field existing inside and outside the core. A movable magnet is coupled to the shutter blades, has a second magnetic field and is positioned adjacent to the core so that the second magnetic field interacts with the first magnetic field. A magnet, separate from the yoke, produces a third magnetic field and is positioned adjacent to the movable magnet in order to influence the motion of the movable magnet and to provide controllable detents for the movable magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.